A Whole New World With Chrome

Over the summer I taught a course for our Summer Academy that was Google Apps for middle school students.  I figured teaching it would be a great opportunity for me to explore the apps that were available to teachers, to help me become a more connected/effective teacher in my own classroom.  I had a small group of students and our task was to find ways to incorporate all of the different apps into the classroom.  I even had students suggest how they would like to see their teachers use the apps.  The ultimate goal of the course was for the students to employ as many Google apps as possible to either a)plan a trip or b) start a business.  One student started a non-profit organization to prepare students for the real world through presenting them with a mentor from their intended career.  Other students planned trips to Germany, and to Kentucky.  I had limited experience with chrome, only realizing that some of the Google apps worked better in chrome than they did in internet explorer.  I did not realize the value and apps that came along with chrome until I attended a session on Chrome Apps and Extensions for Struggling Students with Chad Kafka and Tammy Lind at EdCamp Chicago.

I did not realize the power of the chrome browser in the apps and extensions that were available.  I immediately saw a purpose and use for it not only in my regular ed classes, but I couldn't wait to go back and share with the special ed teachers in my district.  I am currently preparing a PD session on Apps for Struggling students to help leverage how powerful Chrome is.  Like myself, many teachers in my district are unaware of the tools and capabilities that Chrome provides.  Thank you to Chad Kafka and Tammy Lind for the inspiration at EdCamp Chicago.

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